ACI: global passenger traffic up 6.6% in February

Airports Council International (ACI) World reported global passenger traffic grew by 6.6 per cent in February on a year-on-year (YOY) basis.

The airport trade body said the growth is in line with the 12-month rolling average of global growth which has also been rec
orded as 6.6 per cent.

ACI said the numbers signalled regained momentum in global passenger growth following a slower January which was negatively affected by the timing of the Lunar New Year.

International passenger traffic, which grew by 7.5 per cent, was once again the major driver for the global passenger market in February while domestic traffic also fared well. Domestic traffic grew by six per cent during the period on a year-on-year basis, with most regions posting growth of five per cent or more.In the major aviatio

In markets, Asia-Pacific’s total passenger traffic grew the fastest with +8.2 per cent on a YOY basis, bringing its 12-month rolling growth rate to 7.5 per cent India and Indonesia continued their double-digit growth, reaching 19.9 per cent and 15.1 per cent respectively on a YOY basis for major commercial airports.

Europe and North America followed Asia-Pacific, gaining 6.6 per cent and 5.5 per cent respectively on a YOY basis. The numbers were a slight departure from the two regions’ 12-month rolling averages, standing at 8.7 per cent and 3.8 per cent, respectively. Africa and Latin America-Caribbean grew by 9.3 per cent and 6.5 per cent respectively on a YOY basis.

ACI World director general, Angela Gittens said: “Growth in air traffic has gained momentum at the beginning of this year. While the Asia-Pacific region led the world again in the rate of growth, all regions posted solid gains despite some escalating political tensions around the globe.

“ACI World provides leadership, global advocacy and training to raise standards across all airport operations to promote a safe, secure, sustainable and efficient air transport system that can continue to meet the challenges of demand and growth.”